Digital Content Specialist

Job Summary

The Digital Content Specialist serves as an integral member of the City's Communications Program, helping tell the story of the City through creative and engaging digital content. This position develops concepts, drafts messaging, and produces multimedia materials, such as webpages, social media posts, videos, graphics, and written stories, that connect community members to City services, programs, and policies. The Digital Content Specialist collaborates with staff across the organization to plan story campaigns and community updates and ensures that digital content is accurate, accessible, and aligned with the City's brand and communications goals.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Digital Content Specialist differs from other communications and information technology positions in that it focuses on the creative development and production of digital storytelling materials rather than on system administration or platform management. This position combines visual design, multimedia production, and narrative writing skills to translate complex City initiatives into engaging, accessible content for online audiences. The role emphasizes creativity, cross-department collaboration, and alignment with the City's communications goals and brand standards.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops and produces creative digital content-including stories, photos, videos, and graphics-that highlight City programs, services, and policies.
• Collaborates with Communications staff and other departments to identify story opportunities and develop content plans for key projects and campaigns.
• Drafts clear, engaging, and accessible written content for web pages, blogs, and social media posts.
• Designs and edits digital graphics, infographics, and short videos to support storytelling and outreach efforts.
• Supports the maintenance and continual improvement of the City's website and intranet by updating content, improving accessibility, and ensuring consistent tone and style.
• Ensures digital content aligns with the City's brand, accessibility standards, and communications goals.
• Uses analytics and audience insights to evaluate the effectiveness of digital content and recommend improvements.
• Provides photography and videography support for City events and initiatives.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts to transform technical or policy information into relatable, community-focused stories.
• Stays current on emerging digital communications tools, trends, and best practices.
• Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's Emergency Response Plan during emergencies or community incidents.
• Assists with logistics for special events, photo and video shoots, and other public outreach activities as needed.
• Provides creative input or production support for City presentations, publications, or exhibits.
• Provides backup coverage for other Communications Program staff during absences or peak workload periods.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Why Work for Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!
If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages:
We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits:
The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs:
To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more !

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and best practices of digital storytelling, communications, and public information.
• Web content strategy, accessibility, and usability standards.
• Graphic design, photography, and video production techniques for digital platforms.
• Writing and editing for web and social media, including plain language and AP Style.
• Brand management and visual identity systems.
• Methods for analyzing digital metrics and user engagement to improve content effectiveness.
• Current and emerging digital communications tools, trends, and technologies, including AI.

• Developing creative, engaging digital content across multiple formats and platforms.
• Writing and editing clear, accurate, and compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Using design and multimedia software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools).
• Capturing and editing photos and short-form video for storytelling and outreach.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Applying accessibility and inclusivity principles to all forms of content.

• Translate complex or technical information into relatable stories and visuals.
• Collaborate effectively with subject matter experts, departments, and communications team members.
• Uphold the City's brand and ensure consistency across platforms and materials.
• Adapt to changing priorities and new technologies.
• Work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Exercise sound judgment and sensitivity when representing the City's work to the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate Degree in Design or Development such as Web Development, Graphic Design, Videography, or related field.
• Experience: 2 years of professional experience in a related field.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Incumbent is typically required to reach, stand, walk, type, talk, hear and perform activities requiring repetitive motions. Work is typically light work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of force greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as light work.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be 15 days after original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.